Just about every angler has their own idea of how to best spool a reel. While some anglers prefer a heavier line to suit their casting and fishing style, others might need a lighter line for more delicate fishing. But how light should your fishing line be compared to your reel?
If you are spooling a lighter line than what the reel is rated for, you can run the risk of snapping your line if you’re not careful. Adjusting the drag or attempting to reel in at the wrong time when fighting a fish could easily result in line breakage.
Although the reasons may differ slightly, we need to ask whether it is smart to spool a lighter line on a reel rated for a heavy line? Let’s have a look at some other influencing factors when using a lighter line on your reel.
Can Your Reel Accidentally Break Lighter Fishing Line?
Generally speaking, the reel itself will work with a lighter line, provided there are no small gaps in the reel that the line could get trapped in and then snap off.
A couple of elements of a reel controlled by the angler are commonly the cause of the line breakage. Make sure to check the drag settings and amount of force applied, as discussed below.
1. Using Too Much Drag
Applying the correct amount of pressure throughout the fight is vital to land decent fish on light tackle. If you set your drag too tight, the tension on the line can cause it to break.
The two primary functions of drag are maintaining constant pressure on a fish to wear it down, and it absorbs tension to prevent reaching the breaking point of the fishing line and other tackle, such as hooks, swivels, and other lures.
2. Applying Too Much Force When You Reel
Check out the gear ratio of your reel as stipulated by the manufacturer (usually around 6.2:1). This number tells you how many spool rotations (6.2) per wind of the handle (1), which in other words, is the speed of your reel.
When you wind, the different gear ratios are designed for a particular strength of fishing line that could break your lighter line if it is snagged or even bringing in a fish if you’re not careful.
Things To Consider Before Spooling Lighter Line On A Reel
To be smart about using a lighter line than your reel is rated for, you need to make sure the below points are noted.
The reason behind you needing a lighter line will also determine if you need to spool the whole reel with a light line or if you can get away with attaching a top-shot or leader.
1. Reel’s Line Capacity Will Increase Spooling Lighter Line
The lighter line is thinner than its thicker and stronger counterparts, and therefore you will be able to spool more line onto the reel. Check out this capacity estimator to make sure you only add the correct amount of line to avoid over or under spooling.
2. Fishing With Lighter Line Could Make It Easier To Cast
If you have the right combination of rod, lure, and reel with the lighter line, it could help you cast further and more accurately. Heavier lines and lures can be weighed down and not cast where you want them.
3. Lighter Line Will Make It Easier To Feel Bites
When fishing for smaller or more picky fish, a lighter line can offer more sensitivity to the knocks on the lure and help you feel a smaller bite.
4. Line Memory Will Decrease As The Line Weight Decreases
A thinner line with a lower test weight will be less likely to retain line memory than a thicker line (when the line curls up and doesn’t straighten).
5. Make Sure Your Rod Is Rated For The Line Weight You’re Using.
If the rod’s power and action are not correct for the lighter line, it could snap the line if the rod is too stiff and makes it harder to feel bites. A rigid rod with a light line will also not bend to its optimal curve.
Does The Type Of Line Effect Spooling Line Lighter Than A Reel’s Rating?
The three main types of fishing line all have their pros and cons. Different line types have different diameters. It is possible to have a stronger line with a smaller diameter, which may solve your need to spool a thinner line, not necessarily a lighter line.
- Monofilament – This is the “all-rounder” made from a single filament strand of nylon fiber, and it can be used for almost any fishing application.
Monofilament has neutral buoyancy, 10-25% stretch, and is also difficult to see in the water. The extra stretch allows the fish to have the bait longer, resulting in more fish-on. - Fluorocarbon – Fluorocarbon line has minimal stretch, making it more sensitive than monofilament. It has a high density, allowing it to sink in water, and it is nearly impossible to see underwater.
- Braid – Braided line is incredibly strong, supple, and has excellent knot strength. Braid is on average 1/3 to 1/4 the diameter of its monofilament or fluorocarbon counterparts in terms of line strength.
Because this line is thinner but still strong, considerably more braided line can be spooled onto reels. It is the least flexible, making it more sensitive to bites and knocks.
Does The Reel Type Effect Spooling Line Lighter Than A Reel’s Rating?
Below is a list of the three more common fishing reels and their suitability to lighter tackle.
- Spinning Reel – This reel is very forgiving to beginner’s errors. It has an open spool and is fixed to the underside of a rod, with a bail that releases line when opened.
They can be used with light lines and lures, and they are less likely to create a Bird’s nest of line with lighter tackle. - Spincast Reel – Has a metal cap enclosing the spool, and instead of a bail, spincast reels have pickup pins to wind the line on the spool and a guide that allows line to leave the spool.
They are outstanding for very light lures and lines and are mostly used with monofilament lines for basic fishing techniques. - Baitcasting Reel –This is mainly used by more experienced anglers and for catching bigger fish. The reel is mounted on top of the rod instead of underneath it.
The line goes out in line with the rod when you cast because the spool is in line with the guides. Because of this orientation, beginners often end up Bird’s nests and knotted lines, especially if casting lighter tackle or into the wind.
How Light Should Your Line Be For Your Reel?
Most fishing rods today will have a series of numbers along with the brand name and model. These numbers will indicate the rod’s length in feet (usually) and the recommended line weight range. The rod and reel combination is also essential to match correctly for comfort and function.
It is optimal to stick as close to the specified line weights as possible to ensure you have a balanced rig.
Should You Be Fishing With Line That Is Lighter Than What The Reel Recommends?
Manufacturers of fishing gear exhaustively research the optimal combinations of tackle and hardware. The best advice would be to stick to the recommendations as far as possible. If you still need a lighter line, you could opt for topshot or shorter leader of the thinner, lighter line. Just make sure your knots are strong and the correct knot for the application.
Conclusion
Using a lighter line to get a better result is smart. It is, however, not a good idea to ignore the manufacturer’s recommendations of gear that will offer the best results, according to their research. Ensure your reel and rod are compatible and use the closest to the suggested weight line.
Happy Fishing & Tight Lines